Airbus Defence and Space technology connects Germany to Denmark

Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary AXIO-NET wins major contract to enable the construction of a new traffic link between the two countries

AXIO-NET will provide a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) reference network for the construction of a 19km road and rail link

The reference network will allow an accuracy of 2cm

Hanover, 157h February 2010 - Precision satellite navigationis set to be used in the construction of a motorway and rail link between Germany and Denmark. AXIO-NET, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, has won a major contract to provide satellite positioning data for the development of this 19km link between the islands of Fehmarn, Germany and Lolland, Denmark – the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link.

AXIO-NET will establish and operate a four station GNSS reference network across the proposed construction site, which will provide precise positioning data to engineers during the build. Construction of the reference stations is already underway. AXIO-NET, a leader in GNSS augmentation services, won the contract after the German and Danish Governments ratified a treaty to develop a fixed link between the two countries in 2009. The link is expected to become a vital passenger and freight connection between continental European and Scandinavia.

The contract was awarded by Femern A/S, a privately operated company, founded by Denmark’s traffic ministry and owned by the Danish State. AXIO-NET will develop the network with ALLSAT, its 30% shareholder and an expert in GNSS positioning, navigation and monitoring.

The construction of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link is a €4.5-5.5bn project and represents a huge engineering challenge due to the sheer scale of the development. The link will have to cross a 19 km expanse of water, be capable of carrying up to 8,000-10,000 cars per day, whilst also accommodating a high-speed rail link. The positioning data provided by AXIO-NET will prove vital in ensuring that engineers can build this vast project to an accuracy of 2cm. The positioning network will have to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the build expected to take approximately seven years. The link is scheduled to open in approximately 2018.

Eric Béranger, CEO Airbus Defence and Space said: “The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link represents a significant technical challenge. Precision engineering is crucial for a project that spans two countries with Axio-Net playing a key role from start to finish.”

Please visit www.femern.com for further information about the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Defence and Space, a wholly owned subsidiary of AIRBUS Group, dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Airbus Defence and Space had a turnover of €4.3 billion and 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Along with Airbus Defence and Space, its other main areas of activity are Airbus Defence and Space for launchers and orbital infrastructure and Airbus Defence and Space for spacecraft and ground segment.

AIRBUS Group is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, AIRBUS Group generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.

About AXIO-NET and ALLSAT

AXIO-NET GmbH is a supplier of services and solutions “all around coordinates”. The company’s portfolio comprises installation and operation of GNSS reference networks worldwide, as well as provision of correction data for positioning and navigation with GPS and GLONASS, and in the future Galileo satellites. Behind AXIO-NET GmbH are two of the most experienced and successful players in development, operation and supply of satellite services: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (a subsidiary of AIRBUS Group) and Allsat GmbH network+services. ALLSAT has established and operated Germany’s country-wide GNSS-reference network ‘ascos’ until 2008, when the system was handed over to AXIO-NET. ALLSAT is a technology leader in Germany in precise positioning, navigation and monitoring solutions.